Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips is a victim of ageism, says Harriet Harman - Telegraph Strictly Come Dancing Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips is a victim of ageism, says Harriet Harman Arlene Phillips, the Strictly Come Dancing judge who was dropped from the show in favour of a younger star, was the victim of age discrimination, according to Harriet Harman. Arlene Phillips is being replaced on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel by Alesha Dixon Photo: BBC By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor 7:39PM BST 16 Jul 2009 Comments In an extraordinary Government intervention, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Equalities Minister described the BBC’s decision to replace Miss Phillips as “absolutely shocking” and called for her to be reinstated. Miss Phillips, 66, a veteran choreographer, has been replaced by Alesha Dixon, 30, a pop star who won the ballroom competition in 2007. The male judges, who range in age from 44 to 65, and the show’s 81-year-old host, Bruce Forsyth, have been retained.

During Commons questions, Miss Harman said: “I think it’s absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. “As Equalities Minister, I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there. So I’d like to take the opportunity of asking the BBC: it is not too late, we want Arlene Phillips in the next edition of Strictly Come Dancing.” Her comments were in response to a question from Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for Ribble Valley, who called for a debate on the BBC to “try and drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century”. Related Articles Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips 'to be replaced by former winner Alesha Dixon' 18 Jun 2009 Mr Evans told The Daily Telegraph: “We had the problem with the BBC and ageism when they got rid of the excellent Moira Stuart. This seems exactly the same. They are ditching a person whom they see as being on the wrong side of the tracks as far as age is concerned and replacing her with a younger model.

It’s almost like a TV presenter scrappage scheme.” Nick Ross, the former Crimewatch presenter who departed the corporation amid accusations of ageism, said discrimination was felt more keenly by women than by men. “The discrimination is not sexist so much as ‘lookist’,” he said. The BBC is facing further accusations of discrimination by announcing that Jo Whiley, 44, one of its most experienced DJs, was being sidelined at Radio 1. She will move to a weekend slot while the daily morning show she has hosted for eight years is to be taken over by Fearne Cotton, 27. Responding to Miss Harman’s comments, A BBC spokesman said: “Harriet Harman is entitled to her view and it is great to know she’s a fan of the show. Age had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene Phillips.

The BBC employs numerous mature presenters across the schedule.” Bring back Arlene: join our campaign by leaving your comments below Strictly Come Dancing: Alesha Dixon in 'crisis talks' with BBC to repair shattered image | Daily Mail Online Strictly Come Dancing: Alesha Dixon in 'crisis talks' with BBC to repair shattered image comments Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon is reportedly in talks with the BBC in a bid to repair her shattered image. The fledgling panellist has come in for harsh criticism from viewers and critics alike, who deem her too inexperienced to judge the hotly-contested dancing competition. The BBC has received around 1,000 calls pointing out Dixon's faults and calling for the return of judging veteran Arlene Phillips, 66. Thumbs down: The BBC and Alesha Dixon's management are drawing up a plan of action to deal with the backlash from viewers Replaced: Arlene Phillips was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing from the show's inception in 2004 until 2008 Thousands more complaints have been made on BBC internet message boards - around 4,000 in total.

RELATED ARTICLES We are all 66 like Arlene Phillips.. and Strictly aren't past it! - Exclusive - Mirror Online We are all 66 like Arlene Phillips.. and Strictly aren't past it! - Exclusive They're working women holding down busy jobs - and you'd better not call them over the hill! Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email They're working women holding down busy jobs - and you'd better not call them over the hill! These six ladies are all 66 years old -juslike sacked Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, who's been ousted for younger model 30-year-old pop star Alesha Dixon. As BBC bosses face accusations of ageism and sexism for booting older women off our TV screens, our 66 year olds reveal why Arlene and women like her are Strictly not ready for the scrapheap just because they have their bus passes... CYNTHIA WOOD Baker from W Yorkshire I'm not over the hill at 66! I don't have to work at my age but I do because I enjoy it. I like meeting people and working where I do.

It's not fair to get rid of a woman just because she's older. Arlene's 66 and younger than some of the men on the show. Why should they get rid of the older woman? I've worked here for 20 years. Things have changed a lot, we're a lot busier and things are harder and I've kept up with it. I'm still doing my job as well now as I did when I was younger, even though back then I didn't think I would be able to at 66. I'm rushing around more now than ever. When you're older you have a bit more experience dealing with people. And you get more patient, chatting to the customers so it's not just about selling something. There are one or two just slightly younger staff than me in the bakery but I work with young ones as well, so you see both sides. I was shocked and a bit offended when I found out about Arlene. I'm doing my job as well now at 66 as I did when I was younger. Age doesn't come into it. Working keeps me young. I'd be horrified if my bosses replaced me with someone younger.

VAL BISHOP B&Q customer adviser from London I've worked for B& Q for 12 years. I did retire in 2006 and move to Spain, but then I got bored and came back! Sitting on a veranda all day isn't really me, I like having something to do. Because I'd been away for over a year I had to reapply. I did it online, passed the test and was back within a week. I was 64 and it wasn't a problem at all. They like people in our age bracket here because we don't have a lot of commitments. Our children have grown up so we don't have to take time off for that. It's nice to have a mix of ages because they all bring different things. The younger ones ask our advice or for help. I think it's an inspiration for them too because they think, 'If they can do it at that age, I'll be able to.' It's educational too, it stops stereotypes. I lift boxes and heavy things, work on the tills, the refund desk, whatever's needed. It's discrimination to get rid of someone because of their age.

If Arlene can contribute a lot to the programme, then why axe her in favour of somebody else who's less experienced? If we're still up to the job, why shouldn't we carry on? There are men on Strictly Come Dancing who are older than me. To me, this shows there's still some way to go before the sexes are equal. They need to realise it's not a man's world any more. SANDRA SHEVEY Lecturer from London I was surprised that Arlene is 66, to be honest. She looks much younger. She's very good at her job, and it seems very unfair to get rid of her. One of the main things I noticed with Arlene is her good manners. That's a generational thing and for me, that's what I like to see on TV. It's important for me to see someone on TV who shares the same values in that respect. She's constructive and helpful and makes the programme what it is. I've been a lecturer for a long time, and I draw on my years of experience to make my lectures entertaining. It's not just about experience of course, it's also about skills.

And I know it goes down well because of the feedback I get from people. I've applied for lecturing positions before, and they didn't even consider my application. The only response I've had back was that I was out of their age bracket. It's hurtful, especially because I know I can do the job well. Employers miss out on a lot by restricting themselves and with Strictly Come Dancing only time will tell what effect this decision will have with viewers. Margaret McAloon Technology adviser from W Lothian I was shocked when I heard about Arlene's axing. My age isn't really a factor in my job - the only thing that matters is whether you can do it or not. I've been with Sky for 16 years and I'm treated just like anyone else younger or older than me. If anything, my age is valued here. I suppose it's not really the age, but just the experience that comes with being older. And the younger workers seem to respect me - not that I command respect from them, it's just something natural. I used to watch Strictly Come Dancing but I'm not sure I will in future. Being the same age as Arlene, I was offended when she got sacked.

It's surprising because here it's not an issue, yet it reminds you that it is an issue in certain industries, especially entertainment. But it's wrong that they seem to axe the women from television and keep the men. It's unfair. Arlene's a choreographer and a dancer and it's a dancing programme. She knows what she's talking about. I like Alesha, don't get me wrong. But is she a dancer? No. It's important to have a mix of people working, old and young, men and women. Older people bring different things to a workplace - experience and common sense. That's what employers could be missing out on by restricting it to a certain age range. CAROLE ANNE GOODMAN Model from Surrey I've done photographic modelling for 20 years now, ever since my agency MOT began. The experiences in my life allow me to be more empathetic which helps with my work. I do get raised eyebrows every now and again when I say what I do for a living. People seem surprised because when they think of a model, they think of someone young, 6ft 2ins and a size zero.

So I have to explain that when they open a magazine and see an advert of someone on a cruise, using a stairlift, or even incontinence pads, the people in them are models. It's absolutely outrageous to get rid of Arlene and replace her with someone younger. Too much emphasis these days is put on the way people look. The size zero youth are valued more highly than someone of Arlene's stature. Her life's experiences show in her persona and she is highly knowledgeable in the dance field. Strictly Come Dancing is about what Arlene does, and she's being replaced by someone who's only been learning how to dance for a matter of months who happens to have a pretty face. Older women have a lot to give. I won't be watching the next series of Strictly. JO BUTCHER Community nurse from Suffolk I started working as a nurse when I was 16. I've seen a lot of changes over the years but I'm inclined to do the job in the traditional way, spending time not just with the patients but their families too. Experience plays a big role in working life.

Because of all the years I've worked as a nurse, I take things in my stride and I'm a little bit more laid-back, whereas the newlytrained girls don't have that experience. And it helps dealing with patients and different situations that arise. I've never had negativity from my colleagues for being the oldest in the team. Instead they think that because of all the years I've been a nurse, they have a lot of trust in me. Changes are made over the years and you have to adapt to them. Arlene knew her job and knew what it was all about. It's like most things, if you get a younger one in it takes time to establish I thought it was wrong them and get them up-to-scratch. that Arlene was axed. If somebody's still capable of doing something they're good at, they should be able to continue. Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Len Goodman | Articles | The List Len Goodman 19 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman is the "King of 'Strictly'".

The 72-year-old professional ballroom dancer made his final appearance on the popular BBC One dance competition 'Strictly Come Dancing' on Sunday (18.12.16) after being head judge on the show for 12 years… 17 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman snapped at Will Young because he talked back to him. The 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge was not impressed when Will hit back at him after he gave him some feedback on his Salsa earlier in the series and says he would have been less harsh… 16 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman's fear of dying and not spending time with his family prompted his decision to quit 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 72-year-old professional ballroom dancer and head judge on the popular BBC programme has admitted although he may have a few… 14 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman didn't want Darcey Bussell to join 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The ballroom and latin show's head judge was really "worried" when he found out the former ballet dancer was going to be sitting next to him on the tough-talking panel in 2012… 13 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman thinks he'll "probably regret" quitting 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 72-year-old head judge's time on the ballroom and latin show is swiftly coming to an end and, although he feels he needs to step away from the competition following 12… 9 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman doesn't remember the 'Strictly Come Dancing' winners. The 72-year-old head judge insists he is never particularly impressed by the star names that sign up for the show because he isn't "celebrity savvy", and when it comes to their work on… 7 Dec 2016 TV gossip Brendan Cole wants to become head judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The 40-year-old professional dancer has decided not to apply for the role following news veteran panellist Len Goodman - who has been on the show since 2004 - is stepping down, but… 4 Dec 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman thinks he's going to die in nine years' time. The 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge has admitted he's decided to leave his head position on the ballroom and latin show because he's worried he'll keel over at 79 - just like his… 30 Nov 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman thinks it would have been an "injustice" if Ed Balls was still in 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 72-year-old head judge admits the former politician was a "fun" contestant on this year's show but thinks it is right that he and dance partner… 30 Nov 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman thinks he'll have regrets about quitting 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The 72-year-old dance expert is to bow out from the judging panel this year after 12 years on the programme and though he knows he'll miss the show, he thinks it's right to… 30 Nov 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman will perform on the one-off Christmas 'Strictly Come Dancing' episode. The 72-year-old head judge will take his talents to the floor to perform a farewell dance for his fans as he steps down from his judging role on the programme after 12… 2 Nov 2016 TV gossip 'Strictly Come Dancing's Len Goodman may be replaced with two judges. The 72-year-old ballroom dancer announced he was stepping down from his head judge position after the current series wraps up this month and, although it was highly speculated that… 2 Nov 2016 TV gossip Greg Rutherford had a "total meltdown" and threatened to quit 'Strictly Come Dancing' after the judges heavily criticised his rumba last weekend.

The 29-year-old Olympian was left fuming after nasty judge Craig Revel-Horwood, who is known for his… 31 Oct 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman thinks Daisy Lowe keeps getting "overlooked" on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 72-year-old head judge is baffled as to why the brunette model - the daughter of Gavin Rossdale and Pearl Lowe - isn't getting the votes from the public week-in… 23 Oct 2016 TV gossip 'Strictly Come Dancing' bosses have held secret talks with a little-known TV star about replacing Len Goodman. Carolyn Smith, who is best known as a judge on the Italian version of the BBC show, is being eyed as a potential replacement for the… 16 Oct 2016 TV gossip Will Young's clash with Len Goodman was "the final straw" for him on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The singer - who quit the show last week citing "personal reasons" - was reportedly furious after head judge Len criticised his Bollywood-inspired Salsa… 11 Oct 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman has warned his fellow 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Bruno Tonioli.

The 72-year-old head judge has reportedly had words with the Italian dance enthusiast about knocking him with his flamboyant hand gestures whilst giving feedback to… 7 Oct 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman has been a "bit bossy" on 'Strictly Come Dancing', according to Darcy Bussell. The 47-year-old professional dancer - who is currently on her fifth series as a judge on the popular BBC One programme - has admitted she "admires" the… 6 Oct 2016 TV gossip Alesha Dixon thinks Len Goodman is irreplaceable. The 37-year-old singer - who was a judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing' before defecting to rival show 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2012 - is still a big fan of the ballroom contest and is upset head… 29 Aug 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman quit 'Strictly Come Dancing' because he couldn't handle "travelling" between the UK and US.

The 72-year-old head judge has decided to turn his back on the Ballroom and Latin show after the forthcoming series because he wants to focus on… 12 Aug 2016 TV gossip Australian 'Dancing With The Stars' judge Helen Richey is reportedly being lined-up to join 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Bosses of the Ballroom and Latin show are on a frantic hunt for a replacement head judge following Len Goodman's decision to step… 22 Jul 2016 TV gossip Cheryl Baker has been rejected for 'Strictly Come Dancing' "every year." The Bucks Fizz singer is speculated to be on the line-up for the forthcoming series later this year but she's adamant the rumours aren't true because bosses of the Ballroom and… 21 Jul 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman wanted to leave 'Strictly Come Dancing' before he was kicked out.

The 72-year-old professional ballroom mover has been the show's head judge for 12 years but has now decided it's time to hand over the reins to someone else before he's… 15 Jul 2016 TV gossip Arlene Phillips wants to replace Len Goodman as the head judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 73-year-old dancer - who sat on the original panel from 2004 until 2009 - is desperate to return to the Ballroom and Latin show next year and believes… 13 Jul 2016 TV gossip Len Goodman has quit 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional ballroom mover has been the show's head judge for 12 years but has now decided it's time to hand over the reins to someone else once the next series wraps up. He explained: "This… Strictly ageism row: older contestants were banned | UK | News | Daily Express UK Strictly ageism row: older contestants were banned STRICTLY come dancing was plunged into another ageism controversy last night over accusations that the BBC “bumped” two “older contestants” from the final cast list.

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sun, Sep 27, 2009 SACKED: Arlene Phillips [] One of the “older contestants” was Daily Express columnist and Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, 61. Two well-placed TV insiders have confirmed the story. TV sources say the BBC dumped Ann Widdecombe and another celebrity to bring two younger celebrities into the show as part of a drive for a younger audience for Strictly. The BBC denied the story. A spokeswoman said: “Any suggestion that older contestants have been ‘bumped’ off the show in favour of younger celebrities is utter nonsense. “This year’s line-up, as in previous years, includes a mix of contestants across all ages to testify to this.” The channel has already been accused of ageism after sacking 66-year-old judge Arlene Phillips and replacing her with former winner Alesha Dixon, 30. One source said: “The BBC has ruined Saturday nights. First there was the show with John Barrowman [Tonight’s The Night], then Totally Saturday with Graham Norton.

Both were failures, and now there’s the Strictly line-up.” Totally Saturday, a “pilot”, flopped, drawing only two million viewers, while Barrowman’s show attracted a modest audience of four million. Another source said: “There is a drive for a younger audience and it’s not working.” Asked why Alesha Dixon was hired, the source said: “It’s obvious, isn’t it?” The BBC has also been criticised for scheduling Strictly against ITV’s The X Factor. Last week, ITV took honours in the ratings battle by two million viewers. BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons said the corporation should focus on the “quality and impact” of its programmes rather than the battle for ratings with ITV. BBC bosses have been put on the defensive over the issue of ageism, prompted by the sacking of Arlene Phillips. Last week, the corporation announced it would employ an “over-50s female newsreader”.

A BBC source said: “Mark Thompson [the director general] personally asked News to do this.” In an interview about Strictly Come Dancing, Ann Widdecombe said: “I won’t deny that John Sergeant gave me quite a lot of reassurance because if he can galumph around the floor well, I can galumph around the floor. “I’ve always thought that cavorting around with those frightfully elegant mortals, I’d look like a complete idiot. “But what I’ve realised from John’s performance is that they do let you go at your own pace.” Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood: 'Alesha Dixon can't match Arlene Phillips' | Daily Mail Online comments Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has questioned the hiring of new judge Alesha Dixon, claiming the amateur dancer could never 'match' professional choreographer Arlene Phillips. Fans of the BBC talent show were stunned when Arlene, 66, was sensationally sacked in favour of 36 years younger Alesha, who won the show in 2007.

Australian-born Craig, 44, is intrigued to see how the former Mis-teeq singer will handle being on the judging panel alongside four professionals - including second new judge, ballerina Darcey Bussell. Shock: Craig Revel Horwood admitted he was stunned when Arlene Phillips was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing Craig tells this week's New! magazine: 'A celebrity contestant can never match someone who has been dancing their entire lives, who has been competitive and in professional competitions. 'Alesha's a natural, gifted performer, so she'll add those sort of elements to her role from the performance side.' RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Craig admitted he was stunned when he learned last month that Arlene would not be returning to the show after six years. He said: 'I was shocked - very shocked - because I didn't think they would change it. I never thought they would change Arlene. New girls on the block: New judges Darcey Bussell and Alesha Dixon 'I suppose it was a bit of a shock for all of us, but she seems to be taking it well.

Despite Arlene's absence from the judging panel for the upcoming seventh series, reports today claim she has been invited back as the chief choreographer. A source told The Sun not only will Arlene be The One Show's Strictly correspondent and work with the celebrity contestant behind the scenes, she has also been invited to appear on the BBC2 spin-off show It Takes Two with Claudia Winkleman. An insider said: 'Arlene may not be a judge any more but we still want her on board as her expertise is unparalleled. 'We've offered her a role doing what she does best, which is choreography. 'As viewers know, the group dances are highly technical so it's not an easy thing to do.' The new Strictly line-up is set to be announced later today. Among the stars rumoured to be taking part as boxer Joe Calzaghe, presenter Fern Britton, athlete Linford Christie, EastEnders star Ricky Groves and politician Ann Widdecombe.

As they were: The old judging line-up (L-R) Bruno Tonioli, Arlene, Len Goodman and Craig BBC ageism verdict gives hope to older presenters | The Independent TV & Radio BBC ageism verdict gives hope to older presenters Miriam O'Reilly is set for a six-figure payout after losing her job on 'Countryfile' because her bosses thought she was too old Wednesday 12 January 2011 00:00 BST Click to follow The Independent Online Miriam O'Reilly was looking pretty good as she gave a press conference to celebrate victory in her two-year battle with the BBC – but not good enough, it seems, for fastidious young people who might be inclined to tune into Countryfile on Sunday nights. She was dropped after the BBC1 programme moved from its daytime slot, causing audience figures to treble from 1.8 million to 5.4 million, with the BBC claiming Ms O'Reilly was not well known enough for the larger, younger audience. But yesterday a tribunal ruled she had been a victim of age discrimination. She can now look forward to a six-figure payout and the prospect of more television work.

Ms O'Reilly's victory will give hope to other television presenters who feel they were pulled off the screen prematurely. When Moira Stuart was dropped from her Sunday morning slot on BBC 1 in 2007, at age 55, there were also accusations of age discrimination. In the same year, Anna Ford quit the BBC after 17 years, claiming nobody over 60 was employed as a newsreader. Two years ago, 57-year-old Selina Scott won £250,000 from Channel Five after her contract offer was suddenly withdrawn and offered to two younger presenters. In July 2009, Arlene Phillips, 66, was dropped as a judge of Strictly Come Dancing in favour of 30-year-old Alesha Dixon, prompting Harriet Harman, who was then the equalities minister, to accuse the BBC of ageism. Ms O'Reilly was one of four female presenters who were told late in 2008 that they were going to be dropped from Countryfile.

Yesterday, after a 12-day hearing in November, the employment tribunal dismissed the argument that age was not a factor as John Craven, then 68, had been retained as the main presenter. The tribunal contrasted instead the ages of three "second-tier presenters" who were dropped – O'Reilly, then 51, Charlotte Smith, 44, and Juliet Morris, 43 – with the ages of their replacements: Jules Hudson, 38, Katie Knapman, 36, and James Wong, 26. "We consider that a significant factor in their choice was their comparative youth and, in the decision not to consider the claimant, her age," the judgment said. "If the claimant had been 10 to 15 years younger, she would have been given proper consideration to remain as a presenter." It continued: "We do not accept that it has been established that choosing younger presenters is required to appeal to such an audience. It is not a means of achieving that aim.

Even if it was a means of achieving that aim, it would not be proportionate to do away with older presenters simply to pander to the assumed prejudice of some younger viewers." During the evidence, Ms O'Reilly claimed that BBC producer Dean Jones had warned her: "You're going to have to be careful about those wrinkles when high definition comes in." She added that Jones had referred to the arrival of high definition as "crunch time" for her 25-year BBC career – and that the warning had a "ring of truth" due to the "ageist attitude" of her employer. She said: "I also remember that in about March 2008, when I expressed my concern about visible signs of ageing affecting my career to director Louise Pyne, she said: 'It's time for Botox.'" However, the tribunal dismissed Ms O'Reilly's claim of sex discrimination. BBC1 controller Jay Hunt, who has since moved to Channel 4, told the tribunal she was offended by the suggestion that she was biased against older women. "I am a 43-year-old woman and I have had my own difficulties surviving this industry.

The last thing I would ever do is discriminate on the basis of gender or age," she said. A BBC spokesman said yesterday the corporation "accepts the findings". Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, said: "The outcome of this high-profile case sends out a powerful signal that even in the youth-worshipping world of showbusiness, age discrimination can be withstood." More about: Countryfile's Miriam O'Reilly wins BBC ageism claim | Media | The Guardian Countryfile's Miriam O'Reilly wins BBC ageism claim Former presenter of BBC1 rural affairs show succeeds in ageism and victimisation complaints, but not sexism claim Tuesday 11 January 2011 06.25 EST First published on Tuesday 11 January 2011 06.25 EST Close This article is 6 years old Former BBC presenter Miriam O'Reilly has won her case for age discrimination against the corporation after she was dropped from BBC1's rural affairs show, Countryfile.

O'Reilly, 53, took the BBC to an employment tribunal claiming age and sex discrimination after she was one of four female presenters, all in their 40s or 50s, who were dropped from the 23-year-old show. The tribunal upheld her claim for age discrimination but not sex discrimination. It also upheld O'Reilly's claim for victimisation. O'Reilly claimed she was hounded out of the BBC after she was unfairly blamed for newspaper stories criticising the corporation for dropping middle-aged women presenters. The presenter, who will now receive damages from the corporation as a result of today's verdict, told MediaGuardian.co.uk: "Words cannot describe how happy I feel. It's historic and it's going to have huge implications for all broadcasters." In its judgment, the tribunal found that discrimination against O'Reilly "was not justified" and that she had been "dismissed almost entirely out of hand" along with two other former Countryfile presenters. "The wish to appeal to a prime-time audience, including younger viewers, is a legitimate aim. However, we do not accept that it has been established that choosing younger presenters is required to appeal to such an audience," the judgment stated.

Today's verdict is a significant embarrassment for BBC1's former controller Jay Hunt , whose evidence was a central plank of the corporation's defence against O'Reilly's allegations. The timing could barely be worse for Hunt, who started her new job as chief creative officer of Channel 4 yesterday . The BBC today issued an apology to O'Reilly and said it would be "speaking to her". The corporation said it was "committed to fair selection" and "clearly did not get it right in this case". In light of the tribunal's ruling, the BBC said it would give additional training to senior editorial executives and issue new guidance on the fair selection of presenters. The findings "raise questions that need to be addresed by the whole industry", the corporation added. "We accept the findings of the tribunal and would like to apologise to Miriam. We will be speaking to her," said the BBC in a statement today. "The BBC is committed to fair selection in every aspect of our work and we clearly did not get it right in this case.

"We will ensure that senior editorial executives responsible for these kind of decisions in the BBC undergo additional training in the selection and appointment of presenters, and produce new guidance on fair selection for presenter appointments, "These findings also raise questions that need to be addressed by the whole industry. As Chair of the Cultural Diversity Network, Mark Thompson will raise the topic of fair representation of people of all ages across the broadcasting industry. "We would like to acknowledge the important contribution Miriam has made to the BBC over more than 20 years and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss working with her again in the future." O'Reilly was dropped from the show, along with Charlotte Smith, Juliet Morris and Michaela Strachan, when it was moved from Sunday mornings to a new peak-time slot in April 2009. In its ruling the tribunal criticised the BBC for the "lack of documentation" about the decision making process that led to younger presenters being hired for Countryfile's peaktime move, and the "failure to apply a formal procedure". This was not in itself evidence of discrimination, but "makes it much more difficult for the respondent [the BBC] to explain the decisions and state with clarity the grounds upon which the decisions were taken".

The BBC said it chose new "second tier" presenters for Countryfile over O'Reilly because they had "substantial network profile that might attract primetime audience" - but the tribunal ruled that this was not the case. "We consider a significant factor in their choice was their comparative youth; and in the decision not to consider the claimant, her age." The judgment also stated that Hunt's evidence to the tribunal in which she said had never discussed O'Reilly or the other presenters who left the show with Andrew Thorman, BBC head of rural affairs, was "inconsistent with her emails that show that she was aware that they were to be dropped". However, the tribunal said it accepted Hunt's "genuine concerns about the lack of older women in television, particularly in authority roles". Kate Kinninmont, the chief executive of the creative industries networking organisation Women in Film & TV, said she was "absolutely delighted" with O'Reilly's "landmark" victory. "Whether she had won or not it was still a landmark case because it got everyone focusing on these very important issues," Kinninmont added, saying that the BBC's acceptance of the decision should also be applauded.

"One of the shocking things from this case was the unimpressive way in which the decisions about on-screen talent were made, there was all sorts of confusion and hearsay. That's utterly not on for TV and I think the BBC will put that right. "Miriam is delighted not only because people have accepted the version of events which she gave, but because she has loved the BBC for a long time. They were a great employer and she was disappointed at how things transpired." Accusations of ageism have previously been levelled at the BBC over the departure of other high-profile presenters including Arlene Phillips, who was dropped as a judge on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing but returned as a panellist on a new BBC1 talent show format. O'Reilly, who became a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4 presenting environmental programme Costing the Earth as well as Woman's Hour and Farming Today, is now considering offers of a return to the BBC. The presenter rejected an opportunity to settle with the corporation before the tribunal began last year.

It is understood the BBC offered her a substantial sum, believed to be between £75,000 and £100,000, not to take the case to the tribunal. In the course of her evidence to the central London tribunal O'Reilly claimed a Countryfile director had warned her "to be careful with those wrinkles when high definition comes in" nine months before she was axed. And she claimed her fellow Countryside presenter Juliet Morris, who was also dropped from the show, told her that Hunt, who was then still in charge of BBC1, had made the decision because she "hated women". Morris later denied making any such remark. Hunt said the suggestion that she hated women as "categorically untrue and profoundly distressing and utterly offensive on every level".

Another BBC executive, Andrew Thorman, said Hunt had sealed the fate of O'Reilly and two of the other female presenters dropped from the show in just eight words: "I think their experience is mainly radio, no." Hunt denied it, saying: "It is not the sort of decision I would be taking on a whim with a few words dismissing someone's career like that." Speaking ahead of the tribunal last year, O'Reilly said: "The BBC has dismissed claims about ageism and sexism with a wave of its hand. I want for the first time to see what a judge has to say about it. I want to know why I was treated this way after so long. I would like justice out of this." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

Tribunal finds 53-year-old presenter Miriam O'Reilly dropped because of age – BBC may have to pay out six-figure sum Published: 11 Jan 2011 Former Countryfile presenter likely to receive payout in the low six figures after winning age discrimination case. By Josh Halliday and John Plunkett Published: 11 Jan 2011 Miriam O'Reilly was one of four female presenters, all in their 40s or 50s, who were dropped from BBC1 rural affairs show. By John Plunkett Published: 11 Jan 2011 The former Countryfile presenter was vindicated in her claims, while BBC bosses will have to overhaul selection procedures. By John Plunkett Published: 11 Jan 2011

Question: Who was sacked as a judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2009 in favour of a younger panellist?
Answer: ARLENE PHILLIPS